Profiles in Play: Yata
Metas shift. Rosters evolve. But at CFGC, one thing has always stayed the same—we’re here for the people who make this scene more than just a series of brackets. That’s why we’re here today with the first “Profiles in Play,” a series that works to spotlight some of the players that best embody what we stand for.
Sabastian “Yata” Leeper is one of those people. A staple in our community and a strong presence in and out of the game, Yata brings an energy that’s hard to miss. Whether he’s setting the pace in a match or just bringing good vibes in chat, he’s the kind of player that reminds us what makes CFGC worth showing up for.
More than Matches
A lifelong resident of the Boise area, Yata is currently pursuing a Computer Science degree at Boise State University, finishing in just five semesters. It’s clear that his work ethic carries over into his approach to fighting games—but it’s his personality that tends to leave the bigger impression.
He calls himself a “yapper”, but what he’s really about is making the small things memorable. The matches he plays in aren’t just a competition, it’s an opportunity to grow. He brings a positive mindset to every interaction, from matches to just hanging out in the chat, he’s going to do what he can to make the most of it.
It all started with the Smash scene, where Yata got a first-hand look at how impactful a community can be. The people, the energy, the shared love of the game—it made a lasting impression, and it’s a big part of what keeps him coming back.
How he Plays the Game, and You
Yata describes himself as a player that chips away at his opponents’ mental. He works on steadily building up pressure, reading habits, and playing the long game. His focus isn’t just on execution, but on understanding. He wants to be knowing what you’ll do before you do it. He wants to be in your mind, making predictions for where you’ll go, and stopping it from happening.
Whether casual or competitive, his approach doesn’t change much. He plays for the joy of the game first, and that mindset shapes the way he plays and grows. For him, it’s not about grinding wins at the cost of fun—it’s about staying connected to what got him into the genre in the first place.
Where He Started
Yata’s journey started in Smash 4 locals, but his love for the genre grew as he started exploring more traditional fighting games. Like many of us, he cycled through a bunch of titles with friends, looking for something that really clicked. That moment came when he saw a Youtuber previewing the trailer for the Guilty Gear Strive beta. The game’s amazing visual style, intuitive yet complex mechanics, and feel were exactly what he was looking for. He knew this was his game.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. He struggled early on, putting in long hours studying others’ VODs, brackets, and his own gameplay. By the end of Season 1, he had reached Celestial and kept pushing into Season 2. He started entering online brackets, engaging more with the community, and steadily leveling up. That dedication even led to a sponsor for Evo—a milestone in his journey, even if he didn’t meet all of his expectations. The fire of passion was lit.
How He Found Us
As Yata settled into university life, he looked for ways to bring his passion for fighting games with him. A forum post led him to CFGC, but at the time, we were still just getting off the ground.
He got involved the simple way: asking if he could play Strive under his school email. Later, he found his way into Street Fighter through a scholarship tournament, placing second to a player he’d come to know well through the campus esports program. Adjusting to the new game wasn’t easy thanks to the difference in pacing and neutral were huge changes. With time, though, the growing pains gave way to confidence.
The Early Days of CFGC
When Yata first joined CFGC, the format was still in its first run. The player pool was small, and our stream schedule was far from what it is now. The passion was definitely there. As Yata put it, “It was clear Alby and Jason were listening to feedback and putting major efforts into improving the entire program.”
He did a lot beyond just playing, though. He gave feedback, joined streams, and kept our lobbies active. You’d usually find him in Guilty Gear channels, and even as his course load picked up, he stayed involved in new ways—watching streamedmatches, chatting during events, and just keeping present when it mattered most.
What CFGC Has Meant
To Yata, CFGC has become a home. A place to stay connected with the FGC while navigating the ups and downs of college life with people that understand them.
He’s found value in the tournament format, too. The structure has helped him build a more methodical and consistent playstyle, teaching him how to bounce back from upsets and sharpen his focus across a bracket. But just as importantly, it’s helped him meet new people and broaden his community beyond his usual circles.
Parting Words
When we asked Yata what advice he’d give to up-and-coming players, here’s what he said:
“Just boot up! Play the game, have fun, explore what you can do in the games. Don’t force yourself into the competition—it should come to you naturally. At the beginning, don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether it be new mains, new games, or just a new mindset, tinkering how you approach the game gives you a fuller understanding of the genre as a whole.”
Looking forward, Yata hopes to stay involved with CFGC through things like commentary or helping run brackets. And as for what’s next in the wider FGC? He’s got his eye on 2XKO—like a lot of us, he’s counting the days until that full release drops.
By: Whitney